Musicology

  • 2006 Critical study and modern performance edition of Paolo Nani's 1844 -5 opera La Mezza Notte.

Abstract

It is the aim of this dissertation to contribute to an understanding of the Maltese composer Paolo Nani
(1814-1904) and his output, and to present a modern performance edition of his greatest secular work, the opera La Mezza Notte (1844-1845).  Nani's music made an original and valuable contribution to 19th century Maltese culture and has provided inspiration and
nationalistic pride for future generations in Malta.


  • 2008 Academic paper Pius X's Motu proprio - A revolution in maltese sacred music?

Abstract

The key purpose of this paper is to present and to provide a scholarly work focusing on a magnificent chapter of sacred music in Malta; that is the second half of  the 19th Century to the early decades of the 20th century.

It will also evaluate the importance of the 1903 Motu propio,, and assess its consequences.  It will study the creation and the development of Maltese sacred music and the peculiarly indigenous cappella di musica prior and post the decree.


  • 2010  Published Scholarly commentary on Carlo Diacono's oratorio San Paolo Evangelizza i Maltesi.

Abstract

Diacono's work can be catalogued into three periods (early, middle, late).  In my opinion this work belongs to Diacono's middle period.
Research suggest that Diacono composed this work in 1913, as a young man, aged 37, a year before the birth of his son Francesco,
who later inherited and managed the cappella for nearly half a century.

The Oratorio is intrinsically thematic, homogenous and dramatically tense, yet economical in its material and non-operatic in nature.



Thematic Presentations

  • 2002 Pensare la musica oggi - Composition seminar, The University of  Melbourne,
             Melbourne, Australia

  • 2004 The collaborative process in the music profession - Composition seminar, Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne, Australia

  • 2005 Paolo Nani's music and his opera La Mezza Notte - Public lecture, La Vallette Philharmonic Society, Valletta, Malta

  • 2007  Musical encounters - Composition seminar, The University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA

  • 2007 Musical encounters - Composition seminar, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA

  • 2008 Grixti's creative process - Lecture, Diplomatic Spouses Association, Nairobi, Kenya



This performance edition...shows his command of methodological techniques...the style is clear...and contributes to the knowledge of an important chapter of
the 19th century Maltese music.
Universidad Complutense Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid February 8, 2006
Stabat Mater for unaccamponied choir performed by the Melbourne Contemporary Chorale directed by Hildy Essex
Live Recording